All creatures veterinary clinic: Joanne G. Rehn DVM, rewarded through perseverance.

• Author: Ribeiro, Ana G.
• Position: TOP WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES

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Successful women-owned small businesses have become more abundant in Alaska over the past several years, and Joanne G. Rehn DVM started one of them in Wasilla in 1984. Today, All Creatures Veterinary Clinic is the largest animal clinic in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Rehn initiated her clinic after deciding she wanted to go into business for herself. Her first few years were difficult. She remembers the time when she lacked the needed equipment, a support staff, supplies and even a building to work out of.

FINANCING

Getting a bank loan was even more difficult. No banks at the time would lend her money--a 1977 Ford pickup truck was her only collateral. Her truck also was the only place from where she could do most of her work at the time.

However, fate changed it all when her bachelor great-uncle passed away. He left her with enough funds to help start up the clinic. The collateral she now had was enough to help her get a $30,000 loan from National Bank of Alaska. The bank representative who loaned her the funds is still someone Rehn remembers fondly, "Thanks for believing in me, Suzon--I have never forgotten you!"

ASSISTANCE

The funds allowed Rehn to buy some of the equipment and supplies she needed, but she still needed an office to work from. With the assistance of her brother and his partners, she was able to buy a house and remodeled it to fit her business needs. "My first examination table was a used kitchen table," Rehn said. "The receptionist had to keep the wood stove stoked for heat."

SUPPORT

All Creatures Veterinary Clinic is now celebrating its 25th year anniversary and Rehn, its sole owner, is proud of her business and its growth. The clinic serves 7,000 active clients, most with multiple pets, and is currently accepting new clients.

She says she has a great support system that has been a key element to the success of the clinic. Her team includes veterinary technicians, assistants and receptionists, along with full-time and part-time veterinarians.

"I've been blessed with infrequent employee turnover," Rehn said. Several of her employees have stayed with her for more than 15 years. She says hiring the right people is essential.

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GROWTH

In response to what has contributed to the growth of her business, she said, "Number one, God has simply blessed me and what I have done. Working harder than many and making sacrifices are also contributing factors."

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